Andover Twenty1 hosted its inaugural black tie dinner on Friday 29 November 2019 at the Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge. Ninety patrons enjoyed live swing music, a three-course meal and an auction. The £12,750 raised will support children with Down’s Syndrome from Andover, Salisbury, Newbury, Winchester and the surrounding villages.
As guests entered the glittering Grosvenor Hotel they were treated to live swing music from local all girl band, @Covergirlz, and a glass of fizz. A wonderful ‘Tree of Wishes’ offered guests the chance to gamble. A £10 ticket bought anything from a booby prize, such as an alcoholic miniature, to a £50 restaurant voucher, a necklace or a beauty treatment – all donated from local businesses.
Dinner was served across two long tables decorated with jelly babies and gifts from the evening’s generous sponsor, leading kitchenware brand Joseph Joseph, wrapped up in rainbow ribbons. A delicious three-course feast, derived from local produce, culminated in an impressive multi-layered rainbow cake mirroring the colours of the warm and welcoming Andover Twenty1 logo designed by Hampshire based artist Jennie Maizels.
The auction featured sixteen lots donated by individuals and businesses supporting Andover Twenty1. The premier lot was from international fashion designer Erdem who donated tickets to his Autumn/Winter 2020 fashion show in London and beautiful pair of Erdem earrings. Guests also had the opportunity to bid for a night away at Foxes Hotel in Minehead, a flight in a glider, signed David Walliams books, original artwork, fly fishing as well as fashion and beauty treats and an Early Rider bike.
Chairperson of Andover Twenty1, Anna Fauvelle, said: ‘this was our inaugural fundraising dinner and it was so much fun! The newly renovated Grosvenor hotel was an amazing venue with a wonderful team who looked after our guests impeccably. We were bowled over by the generosity of our sponsors and guests who helped us raise an incredible £12,750 which will be used to provide invaluable educational services to local children with Down’s Syndrome. ’
